Comments on: PEC Mourns Loss of Bill Petry

By: Mary Hanna

Mary Hanna — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:17:26 +0000

Losing Bill helps me understand the phrase “heart-broken” in a whole new way. Bill was at the very heart of the peace & justice community here in Lansing. In fact, many times he was the “pace-maker”: jump-starting us into action, and keeping the momentum going. Bill will always have residence in my own heart, just as he will for Lansing at large. The fire of his spirit is inextinguishable.

By: Dan Pearson

Dan Pearson — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:34:28 +0000

Such sad news. I met Bill last year when he helped to host the Wheels of Justice Tour in Lansing. I was encouraged by his warm welcoming and the gentle and thoughtful way he worked for justice in the world. Bill Petry, Presente!

By: Sayrah Namaste

Sayrah Namaste — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:41:01 +0000

The first time I met Bill, I had only been living in Lansing a few months. He helped drive a van down to the SOA protest in Ft. Bening, Georgia. He was such a constant–I think of him attending meetings and helping with set up or clean up, attending vigils, rallies, fundraising events….once a month we had a committee meeting on Monday nights at Emil’s for the “all you can eat spaghetti” nights. I especially remember the surprise birthday party he gave Julia. He was so devoted to her; so devoted to the community and the groups he worked with. I am shocked and saddened. I am thinking of Julia and their children.

By: Debbie DeLeon

Debbie DeLeon — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 14:40:47 +0000

Such a shocking loss! I have known Bill since I moved to Lansing in 1990. We met and became friends and allies through the Coalition for Community Concerns and worked together on many efforts over the years, including his run for the Lansing School Board. He was always there when anyone needed him and always worked tirelessly to help make this world a better place…and in many ways, it is because of our friend Bill. He and Julia have touched many lives and we are all better people for having had that privilege. Bill will be sadly missed, but we have been blessed with fond memories that will live on within our hearts. Thank you Bill…and thank you Julia for having shared Bill’s kindness and good heart with the rest of us.

By: SUZANNE PETTRY LOVE

SUZANNE PETTRY LOVE — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 13:38:22 +0000

I have known Bill since I moved to Lansing in 1975. I have always teased him that even though we share the same last name, I’m the one who spells it correctly. Somewhere along the line he dropped a “T”. Even though my time with MEAC was in the past, I still try to work every day to live my life in respect to the kind of life Bill and Julia do. There were so many MEAC dinners made, so many events planned, so many rallies attended. I could say there will be a large emptiness left, but in my heart I know there was a man who worked for Peace along side so many others. Everyday he filled the world with song and smiles and love. There is no emptiness when we have that. Thank you Bill and Julia for that which you left me, Ursula, Lansing and the World.